About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The programme is positioned as a global accelerator for research excellence, particularly targeting underserved regions and under-resourced healthcare systems. It prioritises scientific innovation that translates into measurable improvements in patient care, health systems, and population-level cardiovascular outcomes.
Purpose and Research Focus
The initiative provides structured financial support for one-year research projects across the full spectrum of cardiovascular medicine. Each selected project is intended to contribute meaningful evidence that can influence clinical practice, health policy, or system-level improvements.
Key areas of focus include:
Heart failure research, with two dedicated awards
Cardiometabolic health, with two dedicated awards
Broad cardiovascular care innovations, with three flexible awards across any subspecialty
Research proposals are strongly encouraged to address real-world challenges in cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Priority is given to studies that introduce novel pathways, interventions, or models of care that can be applied in specific communities or patient populations.
Additional emphasis is placed on:
Outcomes-based research evaluating mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare costs
Quality improvement initiatives within clinical or health system settings
Studies addressing disparities in cardiovascular care based on gender, race, geography, or socioeconomic status
Eligibility Criteria
The awards are open to cardiovascular clinical investigators residing outside the United States, with preference given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries. Eligible candidates must be affiliated as either:
ACC International Fellows
ACC International Associates
Individuals who have successfully completed the ACC Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination (CCKE)
Preference is given to candidates with approximately five to ten years of post-training clinical research experience, reflecting a focus on developing academic independence and leadership in cardiovascular investigation.
Applicants must also maintain active membership within the ACC at the time of award acceptance.
Selection and Evaluation Process
Applications are reviewed by the ACCF Research Fellowship Awards Committee. Selection is competitive and based on a multi-dimensional evaluation framework.
Key evaluation criteria include:
Scientific merit and originality of the proposed research
Alignment with the initiative’s cardiovascular research priorities
Applicant’s academic qualifications and demonstrated commitment to research
Strength of the institutional and academic environment supporting the project
Clarity of career trajectory and long-term professional goals
The review process ensures that selected projects demonstrate both methodological rigor and meaningful potential impact on cardiovascular health outcomes.
Award Structure and Funding
The initiative offers a total of seven research awards annually, each valued at $25,000. The funding supports a one-year research period running from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.
Funding distribution includes:
Two awards dedicated to heart failure research
Two awards dedicated to cardiometabolic health research
Three awards for broader cardiovascular research topics
The funding is intended to support research execution, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must submit complete applications by June 8, 2026. Submissions must be in English or accompanied by certified translations where necessary. All associated costs for document preparation and authentication are the responsibility of the applicant.
Required application materials include:
Completed application form
Research proposal (maximum five pages)
Updated curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation (from mentors, FACC members, or institutional leaders)
Summary of current and previous research funding, including:
Funding organisation
Award amount
Duration of funding
Valid identification document for residency verification
Applicants are encouraged to review the official Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document prior to submission to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Award Administration and Contact Information
The programme does not charge an application fee. Successful applicants are notified following committee review and selection.
For inquiries, applicants may contact the programme administration via:
Email:
Phone: 1-202-375-6000
Toll-free (US): 1-800-253-4636
All communication and application materials are managed through the ACC’s global awards infrastructure based at Heart House in Washington, DC.
Summary
The William A. Zoghbi Global Research Initiative represents a significant investment in advancing cardiovascular research capacity worldwide. By supporting investigators from diverse geographic and economic backgrounds, the programme strengthens global scientific collaboration and fosters innovation in cardiovascular medicine. Its structured funding model, rigorous selection process, and emphasis on health equity position it as a key driver of research development within the international cardiology community.
How to apply